WILLMAR -- An environmental review for an expansion of a hog finishing facility near Madison is open for public review through Aug. 30.
The Minnesota Pollution Control Agency prepared an environmental assessment worksheet for the Lac qui Parle County hog operation which is located about 10 miles west of Madison in Section 24 of Cerro Gordo Township.
Brad Lundy is proposing to double the number of animals at the farm, to a total of 4,000 hogs, or 1,200 animal units.
The manure will be collected in a concrete pit below the new barn, which is similar to the existing barn at the facility.
In the fall, the manure will be pumped out and injected on cropland as fertilizer, requiring 352 acres.
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The environmental review describes potential impacts on land use, water quality and air quality and provides basic information on how a projected project could potentially affect the environment.
During the 30-day comment period, the environmental assessment worksheet is open to public review and comment.
The Pollution Control Agency will use these comments to evaluate the potential for significant environmental effects from the project and decide if an environmental impact statement, which is a more comprehensive environmental review, is needed. Comments should be submitted to the MPCA in writing by 4:30 p.m. Aug. 30 to Joel Fischer, MPCA, 502 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155-4194, or by fax to 651-297-2343.
Copies of the report are available for review at: The MPCA's St. Paul office; the MPCA Web site at www.pca.state.mn.us/news/eaw/index.html; the MPCA office in Willmar, 201 28th Ave. S.W.; or the Chippewa County Public Library in Montevideo.
Copies may also be requested directly from the MPCA by calling 651-297-8510. Questions about the project should be directed to Joel Fischer at 651-296-8643 or 800-657-3864.
